1988 Ford Taurus vs. 1984 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1988 Ford Taurus is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,513 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Mazda RX-7 (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1988 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Taurus weights approximately 340 kg more than 1984 Mazda RX-7.
Because 1984 Mazda RX-7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1984 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 Ford Taurus (177 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 1984 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2430 mm |
